A
military spokesman confirmed Thursday that China's first aircraft carrier,
the Liaoning, is set to conduct a voyage on the high seas. When and
in what waters the voyage will be conducted will be decided in accordance
with overall conditions, Yang Yujun, spokesman of the Ministry of National
Defense, told a press conference.

Song
Xue, deputy chief of staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy,
said Tuesday that China will have more than one aircraft carrier.

While speaking at a ceremony in Beijing to celebrate the 64th anniversary
of the founding of the PLA Navy, Song said, "The next aircraft
carrier we need will be larger and able to carry more fighters."

Song also refuted some foreign media reports that China was building
new aircraft carriers in Shanghai, saying such reports were not accurate.